James Franklin Vangel was born to Bill and Nadine Provins Vangel in Joplin, MO on February 15, 1938.
He married Virginia (Ginnie) Novak Sill on April 29, 1959. He was a loving father to two daughters, Elizabeth Nadine Vangel Palmer, Angela Ann Vangel Hardy, and one son, Jamie J. Vangel. He was an adoring grandfather to Gabrielle Palmer, Ashley Palmer, Jack Hardy, Jed Hardy, Sam Hardy, Jacey Vangel, Brieonna Vangel and Derik Green.
He was preceded in death by his mother; three sisters, Evangeline Morales, Mitylene Strafello, Olive Grow; and one brother, John Mihaloras.
Although he was of Greek heritage, he was very much a patriotic American.
Jim worked at R&S Chevrolet and Joplin Printing, starting out as a mail room clerk, eventually becoming bindery foreman and working there for 29 years, taking early retirement. He enjoyed golfing, many times rushing up to the course after work in time to get in 9 holes. He played in many tournaments.
He loved fishing and spent many days at the lake. His favorite baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals, disappointed him many times, but he always gave them ‘another chance’. He grew up in Joplin and began military service in 1956, serving in Hannau, Germany with the United States Army. While in the Army, he began what would be his lifelong passion, playing music in country music bands. He was an accomplished singer and musician, mastering guitar and electric bass. He belonged to several music groups, including appearances on radio, TV and backing professional musicians such as Marty Robbins, Kenny Price, Conway Twitty, Lynn Anderson and Hawkshaw Hawkins. Eventually he would become leader in a family band called ‘Leather ‘N Lace’, for 10 years. During his retirement years, he began entertaining at senior dances regional Hootenannys, Fairland, OK, JJ Music and Beth Page, always trying to improve on his craft. He was a proud member of the Monday Night Garage Band for over 25 years, making many new friends.
His illness eventually kept him from participating in making music, but never from enjoying and visiting with his many friends.
Jim was a quiet, sensitive and thoughtful person, with a great sense of humor and will be missed ever day by his loving wife, family and friends. Many thanks for the wonderful care he received from the staff of Freeman Cancer Center, especially Dr. Anisa Hassan. Also, Hospice Compassus, entire staff but specifically nurse Lynn Duffield. May God Bless you all.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel. Pastors Jarel Burnside, Bobby Cooper and Bill Hobson will officiate. The interment will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with full military rites and visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society, in care of Parker Mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
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